Who was John Calvin, and what did he think about God? While some might be familiar with the term Calvinism, what did he contribute to the Reformed faith? In An Explorer’s Guide to John Calvin, Yudah Thianto takes you on a tour of the life and mind of the great theologian John Calvin.
Thianto begins the first half of his book by introducing Calvin as his friend, even though they’ve lived hundreds of years apart. But it’s clear that Thianto truly understands Calvin, and he presents him honestly and fondly, and calling him friend does seem like a fitting title.
John Calvin, Pastor and Theologian
An Explorer’s Guide to John Calvin begins with Calvin’s biography, and Thianto doesn’t skip over Calvin’s controversies. One such event in Calvin’s ministry was the execution of Michael Servetus, and we also learn that Calvin had his fair share of enemies.
Thianto is aware that Calvin is often seen as angry and dour, and he uses a Q&A section to combat this notion. He shows a softer side of Calvin, including how he loved his family as well as wanted the best for his church. I was particularly moved to read of Calvin’s work as a pastor and how he wrote letters to his congregants to comfort, encourage, and exhort them. His work is inspiring, and I hope to have the same passion for God’s truth and his people.
Institutes of the Christian Religion
The second half of the book is dedicated to Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion. Thianto gives a brief publication history and then guides you along to follow its theological topics. What this book does well is give the context for Calvin’s writings, revealing what he was standing against. For instance, Thianto notes that the people of Calvin’s time believed that the universe was created instantaneously. Calvin sought to correct this with a firm insistence that the universe was created in six days. This is an incredible way to showcase God’s order and process, and also his kindness towards humans in that the world was ready for them.
Another aspect of Thianto’s guidance in the Institutes is that he is able to give you a big-picture view of its theological themes. For example, Book Three is mainly concerned with how we are united with Christ, and this shows how we receive the blessings of Christ. The church of Rome is criticized, and again, Thianto tells you why this was necessary to include in Calvin’s writings.
The Great Reformer
The book ends with a call for you to examine some of your own theological leanings that might put you in disagreement with Calvin, such as baptism, the Lord’s Supper, the Trinity, and predestination. While we don’t have to agree with Calvin on everything, we can all find common footing in a faith that must be grounded in Scripture. Calvin was a man who fulfilled God’s call in his life despite controversy and difficulty. A highly accessible academic work, this book will be a favorite to recommend to those interested in the great reformer.
Author’s Note: I received a media copy of An Explorer’s Guide to John Calvin and this is my honest review.